How does the Ti plasmid from Agrobacterium tumefaciens influence plant cells?

How does the Ti plasmid from Agrobacterium tumefaciens influence plant cells?

• A. It stimulates growth and induces specific product formation
• B. It inhibits root development
• C. It enhances photosynthesis
• D. It alters the genetic material of the plant

Answer: (A)

The Ti plasmid from Agrobacterium tumefaciens plays a significant role in genetic engineering due to its ability to influence plant cells effectively. Specifically, it carries genes that promote cell division and induce the formation of a specific type of tumor called a crown gall in the plant tissue. This is primarily due to the presence of genes known as auxins and cytokinins, which lead to uncontrolled growth and the synthesis of opines that serve as a food source for the bacteria. By stimulating growth and inducing specific product formation, the Ti plasmid has been exploited in biotechnology to transfer desirable genes into plants. Scientists can modify the Ti plasmid to include genes of interest, which are then integrated into the genome of the plant cells. This ability to alter plant characteristics, such as resistance to pests or improved nutritional content, showcases the importance of the Ti plasmid in genetic engineering strategies. However, it does not directly inhibit root development, enhance photosynthesis, or merely alter the genetic material without inducing specific growth responses. The primary mechanism of action involves growth stimulation through gene expression alterations, making the first choice the most accurate representation of the Ti plasmid's influence on plant cells.

The Ti plasmid from Agrobacterium tumefaciens plays a significant role in genetic engineering due to its ability to influence plant cells effectively. Specifically, it carries genes that promote cell division and induce the formation of a specific type of tumor called a crown gall in the plant tissue. This is primarily due to the presence of genes known as auxins and cytokinins, which lead to uncontrolled growth and the synthesis of opines that serve as a food source for the bacteria.

By stimulating growth and inducing specific product formation, the Ti plasmid has been exploited in biotechnology to transfer desirable genes into plants. Scientists can modify the Ti plasmid to include genes of interest, which are then integrated into the genome of the plant cells. This ability to alter plant characteristics, such as resistance to pests or improved nutritional content, showcases the importance of the Ti plasmid in genetic engineering strategies.

However, it does not directly inhibit root development, enhance photosynthesis, or merely alter the genetic material without inducing specific growth responses. The primary mechanism of action involves growth stimulation through gene expression alterations, making the first choice the most accurate representation of the Ti plasmid's influence on plant cells.